Jamal Al-Zayer

Modelling the impact of temperature on electricity consumption in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

An econometric model is developed to forecast electricity consumption and study the impact of ambient temperature, expressed in terms of degree days (DDs), on consumption in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. It is apparent that temperature plays an important role in the demand for electricity. The relationship between the behaviour of electricity consumption and temperature expressed in DDs is explored.

Simulating the Waiting‐line Problem: A Spreadsheet Application

Spreadsheet software is now widely used as a decision‐making tool, owing to the simplicity and ease with which generalists can analyse and obtain fast and precise information. Through spreadsheet programs, a non‐specialist can conduct an exhaustive “what if” search in order to make decisions regarding “what if” questions. Now, with the availability of a random number function in most spreadsheet programs, simulation models can be carried out within the spreadsheet. How the waiting‐line problem can be simulated using a spreadsheet package is demonstrated. The simulation process serves as a decision‐support system to assist decision makers to determine the appropriate service level based on number of servers. Arrival of customers to obtain service is stochastic in nature and therefore can be assigned a probability distribution using historical data. Through the random‐number function, which is available in most spreadsheet programs, random numbers can be generated and used along with the assigned probabilit...

A PC‐based Spreadsheet Support System for the Newsboy Inventory Control Problem

In this article, a PC‐based spreadsheet support system (SSS) for controlling inventory and service level for the newsboy problem is developed utilising Lotus 1‐2‐3 spreadsheet capabilities. The technical aspects of the SSS are presented and discussed within the context of a numerical example. The developed SSS permits the decision maker to simulate and analyse the impact of parameter changes on the inventory system using a familiar PC spreadsheet package.

Sustaining development in the GCC countries: the impact of technology transfer

The failure of conventional development to combat poverty has given rise to the concept of sustainable development. After decades of experience with Western economic models, the non-industrialised countries continue to suffer from inadequate economic stimulus to sustain growth. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of the Arabian Gulf are newly emerging states intending to obtain developed countries status and to manage globalisation. Technology transfer could provide alternative means for rapid growth and sustaining development by substituting capital for labour. To this end, vigorous policy measures and strong government backing must be introduced if these countries will have a chance for achieving their objectives.

Impact of crude oil production on the petrochemical industry in Saudi Arabia

The gas input into the petrochemical industry in Saudi Arabia involves mainly methane and ethane as fuels and feedstocks. These gases are produced from the separation of natural gas into its components. The majority of the natural gas produced in Saudi Arabia is as an associated gas. But the associated-gas production is heavily tied to crude-oil production. The impacts of various oil-production levels on the availability of methane and ethane have been studied by using a linear-programming model. With the existing demand for methane (1.62 × 109 SCFPD) and ethane (2.87 × 108 SCFPD), the minimum oil production is four million barrels per day. At this level of production, the methane demand is satisfied while there is an excess of ethane. But by the substitution of the excess ethane for a part of the methane demand, the minimum oil production could be reduced to three million barrels per day. Finally, by utilizing the maximum existing capacity of unassociated gas (1 × 109 SCFPD) from gas wells, the minimum oil production level can be reduced to one and one half million barrels per day. With more exploration and discoveries of Khuff gas, natural gas production will become even less dependent on oil production.

Impact of energy consumption in the major industrialized countries on Saudi Arabian oil production

Saudi Arabia is the worlds largest oil exporter and an important trade partner to the major industrialized countries (MICs), which include the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Italy, Germany and France. Energy-production and other data for these countries have been collected and analysed. An econometric model has been developed to estimate the impacts of variables such as energy consumption and production, the price of crude oil, and OPEC and non-OPEC oil exports on Saudi oil production. The major finding is that the price of oil is not important in determining Saudi oil-production policy. Total oil production in the MICs, oil exports of major non-OPEC and OPEC members excluding Saudi Arabia, and the GDP of Saudi Arabia are found to be the important determinants. Our model may help the countrys national planners to make better estimates of annual budgets and improve economic and management planning.